"Joan of Arc was no wilful impostor. She fully believed that she beheld faces of departed saints, and heard the voices of beings from the unseen world. The result of her wonderful career was that Charles ultimately won back to the royal house of Valois the whole kingdom of France. "An imposing mausoleum in the city of Orleans perpetuates her memory; but her name stands above mortality, independent of marble or bronze. Apart from her character as a visionary, Jeanne was a most noble girl. The French still cherish an enthusiastic attachment for her memory, and a yearly fête is given in honor of her deeds in the City of Orleans." * * * * * "I think," said Tommy Toby, "that I can answer Agnes's conundrum. Joan of Arc was Maid (made) of Orleans." "Right," said Agnes. "What an agreeable company the Zigzag Club is!" One afternoon the man on the lookout called the attention of those around him to a distant object: it seemed like a mere speck in the horizon. He presently said,-- "It is a ship." The news spread. Every one came upon deck. Even the cooks in the galley left their pots and kettles. As she drew near, the British ensign was seen fluttering at the stern. As she drew still nearer, she hoisted five small flags. Then one of the quartermasters on our own ship brought several small flags and a signal-book from the wheel-house. He opened the book to a page of colored pictures of small flags, five of which corresponded to those raised by the ship in view. Opposite each flag was a figure. The figures combined in order made the number 94,362. The quartermaster turned to another page, and opposite this number appeared the name and port of the ship. The ship hoisted another set of flags, which was answered by our own ship. "She asks to know our reckonings," said the quartermaster. "Can a ship meeting another ask other questions in this way?" inquired George Howe. "Oh, yes; two vessels miles apart can carry on a long conversation with each other. Ships have a regular alphabet of signal flags." "What are signals of distress?" asked George. "That flag," said the quartermaster, pointing to a picture in the book, "means a fire or a leak. (1) "This means a want of food. (2) "And that, aground. (3) "Here is one that signifies, 'Will you take a letter from me?'" (4) [Illustration: {SIGNALS.} _Fig. 1._ _Fig. 2._ _Fig. 3._ _Fig. 4._] This dialogue between the two ships was the most pleasing and exciting episode of the voyage, until land began to appear as a dim streak upon the horizon. CHAPTER V. THE LAND OF SCOTT AND BURNS. Glasgow.--Visit to Ayr.--Story of Highland Mary.--Glasgow to Edinburgh.--Scene in Edinburgh at Night.--The Castle.-- Melrose.--Long Summer Days.